Mechanical Behavior of Fly Ash-Based SIFCON Reinforced with Hooked-End Steel Fibers for High-Strength and Sustainable Structures

Slurry-Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (SIFCON) is a high-performance cementitious composite recognized for its outstanding ductility, impact resistance, and strength. This study evaluates the effects of varying hooked-end steel fiber content (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) and partial fly ash replacement on the flexural behavior of SIFCON. Designed to enhance sustainability and structural efficiency, the research explores how different fiber volumes and matrix compositions influence mechanical performance. Using simply supported beams tested under three-point bending, key parameters such as load capacity, deflection, crack patterns, and energy absorption are assessed. The findings reveal that flexural strength and toughness improve with increased fiber content, peaking at 8% volume. However, higher fiber concentrations lead to workability challenges and fiber clustering, which hinder stress uniformity. The study concludes that fly ash-based SIFCON with optimized fiber reinforcement offers a sustainable and robust solution for structural applications requiring superior flexural performance.